ONE MAGAZINE: INTERVIEW WITH CHESTER
With all the money that you've earn those last few years, have you bought meaningless or crazy things?
No, not really. I bought a new house, even though I haven't had the time to live in it because of the touring. One day, somebody asked me what my address is and I was obliged to ask my wife because I didn't know it. Otherwise, I just customised my car over. Today, it's so beautiful that you have to wear sunglasses to admire it. If not, you'll be blinded by its beauty. (laughs)Is it hard to be away from your wife when you're on tour?
Are you kidding me? It's hyper fustrating! Not making love for several weeks, it's not funny! Luckily there are other ways to satisfy yourself solitary otherwise, I wouldn't make it through. (laughs)
ONE MAGAZINE 2004
You've got a lot of tattooes all over your body. Why?
To get tattooed is the most painful experience you could ever imagine and, at the same time, it's beautiful and reveals a lot about your personality. When people see my tattoos, I want them to help them to understand who I am. When I started, I didn't plan to have as many tattoos, but I got them. There's one I'm really proud of. When I got married in 1996, my fiance' Samantha and I didn't have enough money to buy our rings, so we got them tattooed instead.Is your wife worried to see young and beautiful girls hitting on you after your concerts?
I suppose that she's worried and, after all, it's natural that a wife whose husband travels a lot questions herself. But we've been married for nearly 8 years and our relation is important. Samantha is just perfect. I don't deserve her.Do you have any hidden gift which would surprise your fans?
I'm an excellent cook. My wife says that's the reason why she stays with me! (laughs) I can cook a normal steak with just salt and pepper and it will be the best one you'll ever taste. The secret is to cook with love.
DENVER POST
"But I'm really picky about music and where I spend my time," said Bennington, a first-time father of his 20-month-old son, Draven. "Most of the time when I'm home, I'm watching 'Spongebob Squarepants' and 'Sesame Street' and 'Veggie Tales.' "
THE MORNING CALL Jan 17, 2004
Q: You married your wife, Samantha, on Oct. 31, 1996, when you were 20. What has changed you more: the success of Linkin Park or the birth of your son, Draven Sebastian?
Bennington: My son is way more important. Music was a hobby. It was something I did for fun and because I loved it. I'm lucky. I got married, got successful and then had a child. We waited seven years and felt we were really ready for a baby.Q: As a new father, do you find yourself trying to present a more well-rounded picture of the world? Has it changed your lyrics?
Bennington: No, being a father hasn't changed my lyrics. The world is still a scary place. I mean, we have been at war since I was born. … I write to get (stuff) off my chest. I'm not a role model, and I'm not out to save the world. There is no bright side. Success, to me, is a good marriage and kids. It's not what most people think. I think people perpetuate the wrong things for their kids. I just want Draven to grow up to be a tolerant person.
ROLLING STONES JULY 2003
Do you worry about your son seeing the other bands partying when he's with you on the road?.
Every band that I've met- even the ones that misbehave - know it's not cool to misbehave in front of a little kid. And I won't have him with me on the road his whole life. He's got to have a normal life. But if he wants to be a rock star, that's fine.
Like his daddy?
Honestly, I partied harder when I wasn't a rock star than I have since I've been one. I always say that you don't have to be a rock star to act like one. You don't have to be special to be a d*ck.
FHM MAY 2003
How do you balance a rock lifestyle and a family?
It's very hard especially in the beginning when there was no money. We had like $20 a day and that was all we got paid and hopefully we sold some T-shirts at the show. Now success has afforded us more opportunities and I can take my wife, our our parents along the tour bus for a few days.
-Special thanks to Chester Land and LPTimes.
